The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-08-29
HIRED BIZ HOWELL.
Some of the Inside History of Alleged
Brilliant Journalist.


Brilliant Journalist.
The reference just now in the Post and other
papers to Henry W. Grady as editor of the At
lanta Constitution leads one to say something of
the man who is, in fact, editor of that widely
known paper. At the close of the war Capt.
years old, who had left the most of a battery of
artillery on the field. settled in Atlanta prac-
tice law He was more than usually successful,
and combined a little politics with his business
after the manner of most Southern lawyers.
He became a member OF the city government
and the solicitor general OF his circuit, and was
also State Senator. In 1876 he was delegate to
the St Louis Democratic convention. where he
was member of the committee resolutions
and an earnest supporter of Mr.. Tiiden.
About the time cf his return home he made up
his mind give up the law and devote himself
to journalism. TIE Atlanta Constitution was
then eight years old. 1t was founded in 1868 by
Carey w. Styles, who has the reputation in
Georgia of having started more papers and max
ing less out of them than any other man In the
State. 1t had successfully competed with about
dozen da,lies. among the most prominer J
being the Herald, which had suspended under
the management of Henry W. Grady and Robert
A. Aston. In 1876 It was owned by W. A.
Hemphill, its business manager, and E. Y.
Clarke and N. p. T. Finch. its editors. and had
the Times for its competitor. 1t folio Of
twenty eight or thirty-two columns, published
daily except Monday. had eight or ten columns
Of ads. week days and few more Sunday,
and it's circulation amounted to 1900 or ]. 800
week days and 2. 800 on Sunday. Its weekly
While it was in this condition Capt. Howell
bought Clarkes share and with the help of
Hemphill and Finch, undertook to build it
The task was difficult, requiring hard work,
good management editorial ability and money.
Such debts as were pressing were paid off, but
SO short of money were they that Capt. Howell
went to his father to make q raise. The latter
having no faith in Atlanta newspapers declined
assistance
az shall then" said Capt Howell, mortgage
tho house you gave my wife,"
''Do So" said the father, "but don't you como
TO me for another"
The house mortgaged and the debt dis
charged, and from that time forward no money
was necessary to run the paper Capt Howell
is it's editor to-day, and Mr.. Hemphill continues
its business manager and they two own over
half the paper, and without them there never
would have been what Is now the Constitution
Since Captain Howell has been connected with
the Constitution he has been State Senator for
the second time. and delegate at large to the
Democratic conventions of 1880 and 1884
President Cleveland rendered him an appoint
nent as consul to Manchester, England, but he
declined it.
Mr. Grady in 1876 was doing good work for
the New York Herald and other Northern pa
pers. lie was offered by Captain Howell a place
on the Constitution staff which ne accepted re-
tanning his outside papers. Fortunate srecula-
paper, which has grown to be about one fourth
The remainder OF the stock is mostly owned by
john Il. Inman. of New York While Mr..